Psalm 24 was written by David, possibly as the nation was celebrating bringing the ark of the LORD into Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6. Two similar questions are asked about the hoped-for character of the people:
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?”
(Psalm 24.3)
The answer – four desirable qualities in verse 3 and one in verse 6:
– He who has clean hands
– He who has a pure heart
– He who does not lift up his soul to what is false
– He who does not swear deceitfully
– He who seeks the face of the God of Jacob
Not only will such a person be able to ascend the hill and stand in the holy place, but verse 5 says
“He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”